The eagerly anticipated Impact and Prosperity Epicenter is set to open its doors in the summer of 2024, a mere six months from now, with residents scheduled to move in on August 13-15. While it may seem distant, the countdown to the grand opening is marked by significant preparations and ongoing activities.
Okland Construction, in collaboration with MHTN Architects and various other construction partners, is diligently working through Utah’s winter weather to ensure the completion of the new building. For those interested in tracking the construction progress, a live camera feed is available at epicenter.utah.edu.
As construction progresses in the lead-up to the grand opening, several initiatives are underway. Let’s delve into the behind-the-scenes activities.
Recruitment of Residents for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Matthew Stevens
The Epicenter team has been actively engaging with students through tabling events and outreach across campus to gauge interest in residing at the Epicenter. They have been promoting the mission and values of the Epicenter as a dedicated space for inspiration, learning, and purposeful collaboration. Positioned as the “soul” of the campus, this living-learning space aims to prepare students to become global citizens committed to enhancing the lives of others.
Upper-division students submitted housing applications from November to January. During the last week of January, offers were sent to upper-division students. Next up is the room selection process, which will take place in late February.
New students starting at the University of Utah in August 2024 have until March 10 to submit their housing applications with roommate and room selection following the March application deadline.
Matthew Stevens (pictured above), Sales and Occupancy Manager for the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter, expressed his excitement about welcoming the first cohort of students, stating, “The application process has been an insightful way to learn about the students here at the University of Utah. Our team is excited to welcome our first cohort of students to the Impact & Prosperity Epicenter this fall and bring this community together.”
Mark Miller
Meet the Epicenter Team
With over 300,000 square feet of student-centric space and more than 700 residents set to move in this fall, assembling the right team is crucial to making the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter more than just a building,but a true home. The Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, in partnership with the Sorenson Impact Center, has been diligently building the team.
Meet Mark Miller, the Epicenter Building Manager, focused on creating a high-quality living experience for student residents. Mark brings valuable experience from his previous roles in guest relations and facility management, expressing his enthusiasm for creating a diverse and equitable team that enhances student life and engagement.
Madison Gates
Also joining the team is Madisen Gates, who will take on the role of Communication Specialist for the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter. Madisen will lead marketing and communication efforts, leveraging her experience at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. Her expertise includes executing marketing campaigns, managing social media platforms, and analyzing data to promote the Epicenter as the campus’s premier destination.
Not new to the team is Matthew Stevens, Sales and Occupancy Manager, who has been tirelessly spreading the word about the Epicenter since last July and remains a valuable resource for students with questions about the application or room selection process.
Launch of themed communities
Another exciting development is the launch of three initial themed communities at the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter. Theme-based communities are optional for applicants who have been invited to live at the Epicenter and provide an opportunity for residents with similar interests to connect with each other and explore their shared passions. Over time, the team will be expanding theme-based options as the residential experience at the Epicenter evolves. The following theme-based communities are available for ALL interested students to consider for the 2024-25 academic year:
- Impact Capital
The Impact Capital Community invites students to live among peers interested in learning methods that utilize capital to create lasting impact. Students engaged in this community will have an opportunity to explore topics such as venture capital, investing in companies that create social or environmental value, outcomes-based financing, and other creative financial structures that create social value.
- Health and Development
Students passionate about engaging in approaches for elevating health are invited to be part of the Health Development Community. Students will be able to join activities centered around exploring and solving complex health issues and their solutions. This community will draw on the vast health and medical expertise of the University of Utah and its partners worldwide.
- Interfaith Community
The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter welcomes students of all faiths, spiritual practices, world views, and philosophies from around the world to be part of the Epicenter Interfaith Community. This community provides an opportunity to gather, share, learn, and celebrate each other in an inclusive, respectful setting and to join in service to others.
Incorporating an interfaith-based community provides an opportunity for establishing positive relationships and mutual understanding across diverse ways of being and cherished practices. Interfaith Community residents will have opportunities to meaningfully engage and learn about different faiths as a means for educational and spiritual growth and development. Having a formal religion or belief system is not required for this community. All are welcome who would like to respectfully engage with this community.
This is just a glimpse into the exciting initiatives underway to bring the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter online this summer. Stay tuned for more updates, and visit epicenter.utah.edu to learn more.